Tonight with your 5 to 8 year old
The prompt
“What's something you used to always need help with that you can just do by yourself now?”
What to listen for
If they answer with pride and can name it easily, that's a great sign, they're recognizing their own growth, which builds real confidence that they can keep getting better at things.
If they downplay it or seem unsure it counts, that's a chance for you to name it clearly and celebrate it out loud, sometimes kids need to hear it from you before they believe it themselves.
If they say "I don't know," remind them of something specific you've noticed, like tying shoes or pouring their own cereal.
What this tells you
Noticing their own growth like this shows how much they're starting to see themselves as someone who is capable.